We all want to belong to something bigger. Whether you live in North Minneapolis or you are a supporter of the good things happening in our city, we all benefit from closing the gaps in food, jobs, housing and education.

Many who live in North feel a lack of supportive community for the times when we face adversity. Many have doubts about moving to the community.

Government programs aren’t working. The market forces and the American dream are not working. Protesters come and go.

We need a new presence. We need to grow connective tissue between persons, families, businesses, schools, and cultural enclaves. We need to know one another in a community of diverse incomes, races and ways of life.

We understand. Many of us live there. Or we are thinking of living there. We also understand the power of human relationships and connections. At Midtown Community, we are at our best when we bring together passionate people around leaders with new ideas to overcome challenges.

Don Samuels is one of those leaders. And he has a vision for North Minneapolis that is worth hearing – and we can’t do it without you. So we’re hosting an event that is called a “Friendraiser.”

Here is the plan:

1) Register for the Friendraiser with Northside Living on May 1, 2016. At the event, you will learn about a vision for a new kind of network in North Minneapolis.

2) We'll facilitate a process where we can contribute our thoughts, ideas, concerns, experiences and wisdom. But leave your checkbook at home (you will not be asked for money at this event).

3) Get inspired. Leave with hope. The rest of the story is up to us.

Register now.

This event is for those who live in North Minneapolis, are discerning a move to North Minneapolis or have empathy for the impact North Minneapolis has on our city.

We're intentionally hosting this event "outside" of North Minneapolis to encourage new thinking.

Will the story of North Minneapolis end up as just another racially and economically isolated and disconnected place where most people would never choose to live? Or will a group of people – faithfully, vibrantly and methodically – rise up in connection to one another?